Informal European ministerial meeting in Stockholm on fair conditions in the labour market

The issue of fair conditions in the labour market is one of the Government’s overall EU priorities for 2015. It is a question of fair working conditions in the EU internal market. Minister for Employment Ylva Johansson has invited a number of EU colleagues to an informal meeting in Stockholm on 10–11 September 2015 to discuss the issue.

The right of all EU citizens to move freely and work wherever they wish within the EU is a cornerstone of European cooperation. ­The single market holds an exceptional potential for social and economic prosperity. But a common European labour market must not lead to poorer conditions for the workers of Europe.

Swedish initiative to discuss fair working conditions

Ms Johansson has invited a number of fellow EU ministers to a meeting in Stockholm on 10–11 September. The purpose of the meeting is to exchange experiences and discuss ways forward to ensure fair working conditions for Europe’s workers, while facilitating cross-border mobility.

Representatives from Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Slovakia, Belgium and France will take part in the meeting.

The European Commission to present proposal at the end of the year

At the end of 2015, the European Commission plans to present a Labour Mobility Package intended to facilitate labour mobility and prevent misuse. The package is expected to contain proposals for better coordination of social security schemes, and a target-oriented review of the Posting of Workers Directive will provide opportunity to discuss how fair working conditions in the internal market can be achieved.